This is the scene at Onneto this morning, Friday, December 6. The temperature is relatively mild, and many hot-water pits toward the back of the lake have prevented the ice from forming there. The ice seems to be repeatedly freezing and thawing, making it extremely dangerous, so please exercise great caution when approaching the lake surface. Also, as I have reported several times recently, the Onneto Line road from Nonaka Onsen to the lake is closed today and is now closed to vehicles for the winter. If you walk to the lake, be sure to take proper snow and cold-weather precautions and avoid accidents. Onneto is now heading into full winter❄️

The Marugoto Kita-Tokachi Fair (North Tokachi Expo) will be held at Michi-no-Eki Otofuke "Natsuzora no Furusato" from December 9th to 15th! This event is packed with the charms of the four North Tokachi towns—Shikaoi, Shihoro, Kamishihoro, and Otofuke—including booths selling local specialty products and opportunities to take photos with characters. We hope to see you there! 😊 Roadside Station Otofuke "North Tokachi Expo" will take place from December 9th to 15th! It's an event full of the charms of the four North Tokachi towns—please stop by! 😊

Asiri Rui: "Hooray! ｣ It is full of energy even in the snow!

【Notice】 Japanese smelt fishing on ice is one month away! The Japanese smelt fishing venue on the Memanbetsu Lakeside is used by many customers every year because it is about 10 minutes by car from the airport and has very good access. Japanese smelt fishing equipment can be purchased and rented at the venue, making it easy for beginners to get started! If you are a first-timer, there is only one thing you need to prepare. Please dress warmly! Because you will be fishing on the ice for a long time, you will get cold from your feet. Therefore, it is even better if you have a sock warmer to put on the soles of your feet! We look forward to seeing you there! ［INFOMATION］ Venue: Ozora Town Memanbetsu Lake Abashiri Memanbetsu Lakeside Campground Behind Period: 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 5 (Sun) ~ Mid-March Time: 8 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Fee: Adult 900 yen, Elementary school student 450 yen Other: Implementation of sales and rental *If you fish for Japanese smelt outside of the above hours, it is poaching. * The start and end dates vary depending on the ice conditions and weather, so please check the social media or website of the Ozora Town Tourist Association or contact the secretariat.

December 4, 2024 — Taiki Town Snow began falling this morning, and the urban area looks set to see its first accumulation of the season. Real winter has arrived!

The Resurrected Sound of the Drums Sunday, December 1 We performed the Wenshiri Taiko from Nishiokoppe Village at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. We played a single short six-minute piece. It depicted Mt. Wenshiri awakening as snow melts, from winter into spring. We were very glad to receive so many warm rounds of applause and words of encouragement. Since we had the chance, here is a brief story of how Nishiokoppe Village’s taiko practice was revived. Taiko performance in Nishiokoppe Village began in the 1980s. Back then the drummers were the local youth association. Their powerful rhythms energized festivals and other events. The piece played since that time was Wenshiri Taiko. A teacher from the elementary school composed the piece, and it was handed down through performances until around 2000. Afterward, following the disbanding of the youth association and other changes, the drummers disappeared and the drums lay silent for a long time. There was a period when a volunteer taiko circle was active, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to invite instructors, and the drums fell completely quiet. Things started moving again in August of this year. As the variety show was returning, former drummers and villagers with strong musical insight teamed up to revive Wenshiri Taiko and learn the piece. Although we were amateurs, seven passionate members brought the Wenshiri Taiko back to life with resounding sound. After that performance, a few villagers who heard us at the variety show joined as new members, and we continue our activities today. We were fortunate to be invited to perform at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. Though our group formed only recently, getting calls from inside and outside the village has energized our practice. This has become a bit long. Restarting something that had stopped and keeping it going takes a great deal of energy. We hope the members can keep enjoying their activities and that this joy reaches those who listen. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #drums #Wenshiri Taiko #Okoppe Town #Town Charity Variety Show #December 1 #youth association #taiko #I was the filming team

Ski season is here!! Sahoro Resort Ski Area opened on Monday, December 2nd. As of today, the Central Street course is open with the No. 6 pair lift running, and the snow depth is 30 cm. Through this Friday the 6th, a special opening day ticket is available (Adults 4,000 yen / Children and Seniors 3,200 yen), so you can fully enjoy your first ski of the season. Temperatures are expected to drop toward the weekend, so make your season debut at Sahoro Resort Ski Area!!

This is the state of Lake Onneto as of Monday, December 2. Parts of the lake’s surface are frozen, but the ice remains thin in many areas. In recent years, more visitors have come to see the ice bubbles, but places where natural gas escapes have very weak ice strength, and some spots may never freeze solid even in full winter. For that reason, walking on the lake is extremely dangerous and is not recommended by the local tourism association. As previously announced, Road 949 leading to Onneto (the gate in front of the hot spring) is scheduled to close on December 6. When you visit, please take thorough snow and cold-weather precautions, and enjoy Onneto in winter safely.

It was snowing and we were having fun!

Snowy Sapporo Station Sapporo Station is now lit up with colorful lights Together with the slowly falling snow

Iron Towns Muro Araragi

The "Shintoku Winter Rail Journey" campaign 2024 will take place at JR Shintoku Station! - Period: Sunday, December 1, 2024 to Monday, March 31, 2025 - Benefits: 1) Commemorative "Tetsu-Tabi Seal" for visiting Shintoku Station Gift 2) Show the Tetsu-Tabi Seal to receive special offers at participating stores in town 3) JR Shintoku Station "Departure Board Dot" design sticker gift (First 300 people) For detailed benefits and conditions, please search for "Winter Rail Journey." #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Railway #JR Hokkaido #Shintoku Station #Shintoku Winter Rail Journey #Visiting Commemoration #Campaign #Benefits #Original Sticker #japan #hokkaido #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #welcomewinter #jr #jrhokkaido #shintokustation

This morning Tokachigawa Onsen was blanketed in snow. The forecast high for today is 5°C, so I think it will melt soon, but the pristine white snow is beautiful! It will get colder from now on, so please come to Tokachigawa Onsen to warm up 😊

It rained in Otofukecho this morning. By the afternoon the sky cleared to a beautiful blue, but the wind is chilly... Even so, preparations are already under way for the winter event Sairinka! Every year we start wiring and other electrical work before the snow falls. Please look forward to seeing what kind of light displays Sairinka will present this year! It was raining in Otofukecho this morning. By the afternoon the sky turned into a beautiful blue, but the wind was cold... At the same time, preparations for the winter event "Sairinka" have already begun! Every year we begin installing wiring before the snow falls. Please look forward to the light production that Sairinka will bring this year!

Reflection at Itanki Beach I'm glad 🌞 I woke up early

Traveling Yukimichi Bookshop Wednesday, November 20 The space called Pom Yukimichi Bookshop from Shimokawa Town arrived carrying many books. In Nishiokoppe Village, a certain private house has been opened as a third place. That place is Pom. It is located between the village office and Kikuchi Store. In a room at Pom, where a wall is covered with bookshelves, the traveling Yukimichi Bookshop opened. Books filled the desks, and I stared at the covers and flipped through pages at random. On display were picture books and children’s books, maps of the world, books about plants, blue books, and more. Other visitors came by, and it was fun to watch them compare books and wonder which to buy. Next to the room for browsing books, people from Pom and the community laid out shared snacks and we relaxed while eating. The next visit is scheduled for Friday, December 20. They might bring Christmas books. Thank you to Yukimichi Bookshop and everyone who came to meet the books. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Yukimichi Bookshop #Shimokawa Town #Bookstore #Traveling shop #Pom #Shared snacks #November 20 #Record #Next time: December 20

Jozankei Hot Spring× Sapporo International Ski Resort Collaboration plan is here! Enjoy stress-free skiing at Jozankei Hot Spring, located in a national park, 26km from the center of Sapporo City, and Sapporo International Ski Resort, which has 100% natural powder snow! (1) Accommodation plan with one-day ticket is now available Exclusive plans with IC tickets sold by each hotel are full of Privileges unique to Hot Spring resorts, such as bathing after skiing, luggage storage before and after check-in, and services unique to each hotel. (2) Dedicated shuttle bus "Jozankei Ski Liner" By reservation-only bus, you can sit reliably near the inn and go straight to the ski resort with ease. (3) Opened a special rental counter "Premium Gate" Use those who need a rental can use the "Premium Gate" exclusively for Jozankei Accommodation guests. You can enjoy your ski time without waiting for a rental. In addition to sightseeing in Sapporo, please plan skiing to Hokkaido at Jozankei Hot Spring! For details, please check the "Jozankei Hot Spring Ski Plan" site on the Jozankei Tourist Association website.

Shop: Christmas items🎄 Wreaths, patchwork pieces, postcards and more We have an expanding selection of cute items♪ About one month until Christmas🎄 Children are surely waiting for Santa Claus with excited hearts and eager anticipation🎅✨ At Roadside Station Iwanai, Taramaru and Beniko are dressed as Santa! Please take your time browsing the shop when you stop by

This is the view of Onneto today (November 25). The road from the national highway into Onneto is packed snow and ice. Please take great care when traveling. The surface of Onneto has a thin layer of ice only along the shore. It will still take some time before the lake freezes solid. The Onneto Line road leading to the lake will be closed beyond Nonaka Onsen at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, and will be closed to vehicles for the winter (until April 11 next year). The road from the national highway to the hot spring will remain open, but you will not be able to drive past that point to the lake, so please be aware of this.

I like this feeling of cold air. Mt 🗻. Yotei seen from Lakehill Farm

Introducing the Letter Set A letter set featuring illustrations of Setoushi-kun. This new Setoushi-kun product was created by Komatsu, a former member of the regional revitalization squad. Envelopes come in two colors: deep green and pale orange. The set includes three envelopes large enough to hold L-size photos and six A5 sheets of writing paper. One set 680 yen Available at Komu Museum of Art, Roadside Station Kam, and Hotel Rimu. We hope not only visitors but also village residents will enjoy using them! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Setoushi-kun #Setoushi-kun goods #Letter set #Two colors #Travel memories #Promoting the village's charm #Regional revitalization squad #Alumnus #Using subsidy funds

On November 8th, I went to the red brick in Sapporo. The Ginkgo was buried in the snow and I felt "between autumn and winter". The next day, it was completely melted. It's almost snowy season.

[Welcome, Mr. Moss] November 16 Workshop to make a moss terrarium was held! It was a sunny day, so the participants hung out in the direction of Korakuen. Korakuen Garden is a garden where much of the ground is covered with moss. It's an unexplored place for moss enthusiasts. He is nicknamed "Pon-chan" The lecturer, Mr. Takada, takes a walk while introducing moss. If you look closely~, moss has various shapes. I see, I see, and while beating the whirlwind On the way, the participants were drawn to the squirrels that appeared. Touch it, observe it, and when you know a little more about moss, you can move on to production. choose a glass container and how much sand to fill, It was a work full of worries, such as which moss to use and how to place it. By carefully removing the soil and leaves on the moss, It prevents mold and lives longer. There was also a large amount of moss As you loosen the soil, it will gradually become smaller. A small world spread out in moss that fits in both hands. Sea grass and small cows on moss, etc. If you put it on a little bit, it looks like you're looking down at the world from above. It also made me feel strange. After about an hour of work, each piece was completed. The mosses that will be welcomed into your home. Where will it be displayed? I would be happy if you could take a look at the moss and take a breather. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Moss terrarium #Moss #Kiiku #Kimu #Korakuen #Little Man and Cow #At Korakuen, you will be greeted by a squirrel.

[Signs of Christmas in a tree dream] One of the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat pleasures of visiting a tree dream It is a seasonal decoration. Now it is reminiscent of Christmas Decorations of various sizes are displayed throughout Inside the Facility. There are also decorations that are devised so that you can see it from outside the window! As soon as you enter Setoushi-kun doll that has become Christmas specifications YO is waiting to take a picture with everyone. At the shop, pine cones were used Handmade trees are on sale. It is a beautifully painted and colorful tree. It comes with a cute snowman! Why don't you enjoy the Christmas spirit with a tree dream one step ahead? #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Kimu #Forest Art Museum #Decoration #Christmas #Pine cone #Handmade decorations devised by the staff It's the perfect time of year for Santa World #Christmas Events Held in December 7

In June 2025, I visited Tokutoku, a community exchange center opening next to Shintoku Station. The facility combines a display of railway heritage, a kids’ area, a shop selling Shintoku specialties, a cafe, and a multipurpose hall. The tourism association will move to Tokutoku next year, and we look forward to more opportunities to interact with visitors than ever before. #Hokkaido Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #railways #railway heritage display #kids’ area #cafe #local specialties

Kyowa-cho Furusato Tax Donation Program Extremely popular every year!! We are now accepting donations for Kyowa-cho’s popular gift for fiscal 2025, the “Raiden Melon”! These delicious melons are grown using clean, pesticide-free methods that harness natural mechanisms. We also work to improve sorting by measuring sweetness at shipping with a high-precision light center.🍈 Please take this chance to enjoy Kyowa-cho’s proud Raiden Melon.😆 They are scheduled to be shipped around the Obon period in mid-August next year!

A fun two-day event gathering "cute things" and "delicious things" for Christmas will be held at Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm, renowned worldwide for its high-quality cheese production! Date: Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 2024 Time: 11:00–16:00 Location: Karimpani, Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm ○ One Fine Day Selling wreaths, swags, small fresh-flower Christmas arrangements, cute miscellaneous goods, and holding a workshop for Christmas ornaments. ○ Flocorirlarbre The charming iced cookies from Flocorirlarbre in Osaka will be coming. ○ Sjunde himlen. Light, comfortable cotton items made from natural materials will also be on display. Also, speaking of Shintoku curry, Nomura Curry will participate and offer a special mini curry available only on the day. Whether you happen to be nearby that day or want to take this opportunity to visit Shintoku Town, please come and enjoy. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Kyodogakusha Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm #Christmas #Event #Wreath #Swag #Bouquet #Miscellaneous goods #Workshop #Flocorirlarbre #Iced cookies #Cotton items #Nomura Curry

【 A town where you can meet the red-crowned crane, Taiki Town 】 Taiki Town is home to many red-crowned cranes, a species designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. The season when they are especially numerous is autumn, right around now. You can often see them searching for food in fields after the crops have been harvested. The cranes tend to appear more often on the seaside side than the mountain side. Give it a try and see if you can find them! By the way, the small bird in the center of the first photo is not a red-crowned crane but a hooded crane. Taiki Town is appealing because you can spot many different kinds of wildlife together ✨

A video explaining how to ride local buses and proper onboard manners in Tomakomai City is now available 🚌 Tomakomai City’s official mascot, Tomachop, guides viewers through boarding procedures and etiquette ✨ Versions are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Indonesian ✨ Watch it on the Tomakomai City Hall YouTube channel!

Japanese afternoon tea set 🍡 Limited to 2 days! Recommended for 🤤 a small luxury lunch or dinner We have prepared many dishes that make you feel "Japanese", such as sweets with matcha latte sauce on rum ice cream Mont Blanc and Temari Sushi! Volume, this afternoon tea set will ♪ satisfy both your heart and stomach 🌟menu [Appetizer] ・Chrysanthemum cabbage white sauce ・ Autumn sword fish Yuzuan yaki ・ Tsuto Jade ・Chestnut astringent stew ・Kurumi Majo [Vinegar] ・Honshimeji persimmon vinegar ・Bellows cucumber ・Shrimp ・Pickled chrysanthemums 【Temari Sushi 9 ・Tuna ・Tuna ・Salmon ・Kohada ・Scallop ・Salmon roe 【Sweets】 ・Rich sweet potato cake ・Hojicha crème yellowtail ・Persimmon tart ・ Matcha and Onagon Azuki short ・Pomegranate jelly ・Rum raisin ice Mont Blanc with matcha latte sauce [Drink] ・Dokura Tea 　　Tokibicha 　　Hakka Green Tea Blend 　　Lavender Green Tea Blend ・Green tea ・Mocktail 🌟fee ¥4,500 per person 🌟period Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 🌟time 11:30~21:00 (Last entry 19:00) *120 minutes 🌟place 1F Rendezvous Lounge Limited to 20 people each day, reservations are required by 17:00 the day before! Please enjoy it 🍽️ Reservations and details 📞011-222-1522 Or visit the 👀 hotel's website